This paper focuses on a language variation model that incorporates a number of concepts from linguistic and rhetorical studies. The model views language variation as a product of two correlating causes: one, the user and his or her personal, regional, and social dialect; and the other, the user's use of the language in terms of such discourse features as subject, mode, purpose, and audience. The paper consists of an overview of the principles underlying the model together with a schema and accompanying taxonomy. A demonstration of how the model is introduced and applied is followed by suggestions for development and use in the classroom. The appendixes illustrate the application of the model to a piece of writing from J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye," and to a piece of spoken language from John F. Kennedy's inaugural address. A bibliography follows each of the sections of the paper. (Author/HOD)